The short version
- Teacher Becky Drury released a statement clarifying she was shot at close range and played dead, contradicting reports that she tackled the gunman or shielded a student.
- The shooting at Silver Rail Elementary resulted in four deaths, including three children, with two others wounded before a parent fatally shot the 16-year-old attacker.
- Schools in Bend are reopening with heavy police presence as investigators confirm the shotgun used was legally purchased.
A teacher injured during the deadly shooting at an Oregon elementary school has provided a detailed account of her experience, seeking to correct what she describes as inaccurate reporting regarding her actions during the attack. Becky Drury, who remains hospitalized with severe injuries, stated that she was shot before she could take any defensive measures against the gunman. Her statement aims to clarify the sequence of events at Silver Rail Elementary, where a 16-year-old former student entered the building and opened fire, killing four people and wounding two others.
Drury described hearing disturbances outside her classroom and rushing to investigate. Upon seeing the shooter, she immediately retreated into the room and attempted to close the door. However, the attacker was already present in the doorway. Before Drury could take further action, he fired at close range, striking her severely. She reported that her left hand was nearly severed and her other arm sustained significant damage, leaving her unable to stand or defend herself or others.
Unable to move or intervene, Drury said she chose to feign death in hopes of avoiding additional gunfire. This account directly challenges earlier media reports which claimed she had thrown herself over a student to protect them or had physically engaged the shooter. Drury emphasized that these narratives were incorrect and expressed a desire for the public record to accurately reflect her inability to act due to immediate incapacitation.
The violence at Silver Rail Elementary unfolded rapidly on the day of the incident. Griffin J John II, the gunman, broke into the school and headed toward a special education classroom. He shot six individuals in total. Among the victims were Megan Lambert, a 25-year-old teacher, and three children, including five-year-old Rhoam Summer. Saylor Graham, a seven-year-old student, was also wounded in the attack alongside Drury.
The situation ended when another teacher threw her phone at John and tackled him. A parent present at the scene then fatally shot the teen gunman, stopping the violence. The swift intervention by staff and a parent prevented further casualties, though the emotional and physical toll on the school community remains profound. Drury described the events as unimaginable and expressed deep sorrow for all those affected by the tragedy.
In the wake of the shooting, public schools in central Oregon have begun to reopen. Dozens of law enforcement officers have been deployed to welcome students back to their classrooms, providing a visible security presence as families navigate the return to routine. The reopening marks a significant step in the community’s recovery process, though the trauma of the event continues to resonate among staff and students.
Investigations into the shooting are ongoing. Authorities have confirmed that the shotgun used by John was purchased legally. This detail has drawn attention to existing firearm regulations and their enforcement in the region. The Bend Police Department continues to examine the circumstances surrounding the acquisition of the weapon and the timeline of events leading up to the breach of school security.
Drury’s statement underscores the complexity of recounting traumatic events under extreme stress. Her clarification highlights the importance of verifying details before disseminating accounts of heroism or specific actions during crises. As the community moves forward, accurate reporting remains crucial for honoring the victims and understanding the full scope of what occurred at Silver Rail Elementary.
The incident has reignited discussions about school safety and emergency response protocols. While the immediate threat has passed, the long-term impact on survivors, including Drury and the wounded student, will require sustained support. The legal purchase of the weapon used in the attack adds another layer to the broader conversation about gun control and prevention strategies in educational settings.
As investigations proceed, officials are likely to review security measures at Silver Rail Elementary and other schools in the district. The presence of police officers during the reopening serves as both a deterrent and a reassurance to parents. The community’s resilience is being tested as it balances the need for normalcy with the urgent demand for accountability and improved safety standards.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗Teacher wounded in Oregon school shooting played dead after she was shot
